HC Deb 17 March 1953 vol 512 cc175-6W
73. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will state approximately the percentage of local government expenditure which can be attributed to governmental direction.

Mr. Marples

Generally the Government's function is to prescribe a standard if a service is to rank for grant. I am afraid it is not possible to say what expenditure, if any, can be attributed to this function alone.